Kingscavil Hill Climb sees new course record

Oct 20 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

HUNDREDS of spectators watched as the Kingscavil Hill Climb course record was smashed in the lung-busting Linlithgow race.

David Griffiths of Glasgow Wheelers Cycling Club claimed the crown in a new record time of two minutes and 12 seconds.

He beat current Scottish Hill Climb champion Arthur Doyle of Dooley’s Racing Team to clinch the title.

Arthur hit the line in 2min 17secs – just three seconds off the previous course record mark that gave him the win last year.

Craig Adams of GSS Racing Team grabbed third spot in the Mens’ competition with a time of 2.25.

The Doyle family maintained their overall dominance as Sharon Doyle won the Womens’ competition.

She topped the climb in 3.11, a full 12 seconds ahead of second-placed Katie Carmichael.

A field of more than 100 riders took part in the third year of the one-kilometre ascent near Linlithgow.

On cresting the summit the riders were met by a piper.

On the way up they passed people in fancy dress and heard cow bells clanging amid shouts of encouragement.

West Lothian Clarion Club Secretary, Matt Ball, said: “The event is a wonderful showcase for West Lothian and the growing strength of cycling.

“The youth field was the best I have seen. It is amazing to see their strength.”

Full results:

Men: 1, David Griffiths 02:12; 2, Arthur Doyle 02:17; 3, Craig Adams 02:25; 1st Vet, Tom Worthington 02:40; 1st Team, Edinburgh Road Club.

Women: 1, Sharon Doyle 03:11; 2, Katie Carmichael 03:23; 3, Sandra Scally 03:32; 1st Vet Fiona Crawford 03:44; 1st Team, Hervelo.

Junior: 1, Ayrton Pellet 02:55.

Youth

Female: 1 (Youth A) Louise Borthwick, 03:25; 1, (Youth B) Lulu Bartlett 05:02; 1 (Youth C) Helen Mitchell, 03:47.

Male: 1, (Youth A) Cameron Balfour, 02:22; 1, (Youth B) Stuart Balfour 02:40; 1 (Youth C) Sean Flynn 03:13.